What does next-generation SIEM offer that traditional SIEM doesn’t?

Traditional SIEM has been outgrown by the evolving cybersecurity landscape, paving the way for next-generation SIEM to show us how it's done

13th September 2019

Sadly for traditional security information and event management (SIEM), it has earned a bit of a bad reputation. Unfortunately, the modern landscape has outgrown this style of SIEM, leaving it to be more of a burden than anything. Traditional SIEM is just too old and has become the grandfather of cybersecurity, recounting stories of Y2K and how it thrived in the good, old days.

Security teams will be all too familiar with the shortcomings of traditional SIEM. For instance, it offers a very limited centralised visibility. Furthermore, fragmented workflows are another downfall that leaves your network at risk. However, the associated segmented threat detection and alert fatigue are perhaps the worst of all. With cyber attacks on a steeply uphill inclination, alert fatigue in particular is sabotage for your security, as you could end up missing real threats.

Thus, a sprucing up of SIEM is well overdue. Right now, traditional SIEM is not making much of a dent in organisations’ cybersecurity. Fortunately, SIEM vendors have been turning their attention to next-generation SIEM to iron out the downfalls of its traditional counterpart.

Next generation is the next big thing

Matured security analytics techniques have been a major enabler for next-gen SIEM. As a result, next-gen SIEM is capable of collecting more activity and of a wider variety. This opens the door for vendors to apply newer methodologies that are more relevant today.

As is the case in many areas of enterprise tech, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are here to innovate, update, and automate SIEM. Not only does this relieve the need for a human operator, but next-gen SIEM unlocks new ways to stop a wider variety of threats.

A great example of a vendor that encompasses SIEM modernisation and innovation is Securonix. The Securonix approach is to “Harness the Power of Big Data Using Machine Learning.” The company uses patented ML algorithms to deliver advanced threat detection and uses AI-based security incident response capabilities to quickly stop any damage.

Furthermore, in recognition of a more fluid and evolving data landscape, Securonix is built on Hadoop. Therefore, users can enjoy its unlimited scalability, which is a great perk if you’re looking for a future-proof solution.

The crux of Securonix is that it combines log management, user and behaviour analytics, and security incident response in a single platform. It is truly next-gen in its ability to collect vast amounts of data in real time. What’s more, Securonix is a Software-as-a-Service based in the cloud. Thus, you can enjoy reduced costs and complete cloud visibility in your security endeavours.

Overall, Securonix sets a very good precedent for next-gen SIEM. Platforms such as this are not just for the cybersecurity landscape today. Unlike traditional SIEM, they stand the test of time for the cybersecurity landscape of tomorrow.

If you enjoyed this piece, make sure you check out this week’s Tech Chat.